Wild Wednesday - December Moth
This fluffy insect is one of the few species of moth that fly in winter, being more resistant to cold weather than many other species.
The Latin name is Poecilocampa populi, which has Greek meaning of ‘varied larva that lives on poplar.’
The forewings are charcoal grey-brown in colour with wavy creamy white markings and the females are much larger than males.
The adult moth is incapable of feeding. The caterpillars can be found from April to June feeding on broadleaved trees such as oak, birch, elm, hawthorns, blackthorn. Mainly found in woodland but also scrub, hedgerows and established gardens. They fly at night and are attracted to light.
It is a fairly common species and can be found over much of Britain.
Read more here: December moth | The Wildlife Trusts
Photo credit: Stephen French Butterfly Conservation (@savebutterflies) • Instagram photos and videos